Skin Analytics is expanding its AI DERM technology to four additional NHS trusts, thanks to funding from NHS England. With plans to extend access to dermatology services for patients at five more trusts, the total number of trusts utilizing the DERM device will reach nine by the summer.
The first beneficiaries of the £2m funding from the NHS England Cancer Programme are Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, and Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This financial support was awarded to DERM creator Skin Analytics in November 2023.
Tom Berry, divisional director at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, expressed excitement about the potential of DERM to revolutionize patient care in dermatology services. With a growing demand for suspected skin cancer referrals, DERM is expected to optimize specialist consultant dermatologist resources and enhance both cancer and non-cancer pathways for efficient patient treatment.
As contracts are finalized, an additional five trusts will soon join the roll-out, ensuring that a total of nine trusts will benefit from the AI device. The DERM technology, already in use in 12 NHS trusts and primary care providers, has been instrumental in identifying over 8,500 cancers and providing timely diagnoses for patients.
CEO Neil Daly highlighted the dual benefit of DERM in detecting skin cancer cases and alleviating pressure on routine dermatology services. The latest expansion will enable around 45,000 more patients to access the AI tool by summer, enhancing early detection efforts during peak skin cancer referral periods.
In addition to this initiative, Skin Analytics previously secured NHS funding to establish three new skin cancer pathways at select community hubs. The company envisions a wider adoption of DERM across all NHS trusts in England, establishing a standardized and effective dermatology pathway for patients.
